Flowers Band Annual Awards 2022
Flowers Band Annual Awards 2022
On Thursday evening we gave our final performance of the year at the Bacon Theatre in Cheltenham. During the second half of the concert we took the opportunity to present our annual awards.
The Players’ Player award is voted for by members of the band, and is therefore highly coveted. 9 different members of the band received nominations this year which speaks to the calibre of player we are so lucky to have. This year’s recipient is our amazing percussionist Coco Chan.
The Player of the Year award is selected by our MD, Paul Holland, and recognises individual excellence in playing. This year the winner is our Brass in Concert soloist and soprano cornet star, Paul Richards. Paul has forged an international reputation as one of the best soprano cornetists around, and time and time again gives stunning performances on both the concert and contest stage.
The Dave Lee Memorial award was presented for the first time this year in memory of Dave Lee, a former member of the band, who sadly passed away in August. It recognises the playing of someone who sits on an inner part and may not have the opportunity to shine individually, but makes an invaluable contribution to the ensemble. It seems fitting that the first recipient should be a cornet player as this was Dave’s instrument. Congratulations to our 4th Solo Cornet player, Erin Maloney. Erin joined the band in June this year and since then has made a big impression on the band.
Bandsman of the Year is awarded to someone who contributes to the ‘behind the scenes’ work that keeps the band running. From concert bookings to player management, advertising to finances, there are many voluntary roles needed to maintain a top level band. This year’s Bandsman of the Year, for a second year in a row, is our band manager Gregor Spence. Gregor has been a member of the band for 4 years, and took over the role of band manager earlier this year, being the youngest in the bands history.
Last, but by no means least, is the Section of the Year prize. On this occasion it went to the Basses (Tony Pemberton, Gregor Spence, Ieuan Walton and Tom Stone). In our Musical Directors own words, the Basses won this award because they, “caused the least headaches this year!”
Congratulations to all of the award winners, and thank you so much to everyone who has supported the band this year!